Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner served up a thrilling performance at the U.S. Open, cruising past American Alex Michelsen with a 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 victory on Thursday. 🎾✨
Despite an ongoing doping controversy casting a shadow over his campaign, the 23-year-old Italian showed no signs of distraction as he dominated on Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing his spot in the third round. 💪
Sinner converted eight out of 16 break points, dispatching Michelsen in just 99 minutes for his ATP Tour-leading 30th hard-court win of 2024. Talk about being on fire! 🔥
\"I feel like I can improve still a couple of things,\" Sinner shared during his on-court interview. \"But you have to be obviously very happy to be in the next round, so I'm just trying to get better as a player.\" 🗣️
In the first set, Michelsen put up a solid fight, twice clawing back from a break down. But Sinner's relentless pressure paid off as he secured a crucial break for a 5-4 lead and closed out the tight set on serve. 🎾
The second set saw Sinner shift into another gear, racing to a 3-0 lead with a double break. Michelsen's serve faltered, and unforced errors began to mount, allowing Sinner to steamroll through the set. 🚀
Michelsen tried to rally in the third set, but Sinner remained focused, breaking at 3-2 and sealing the match with a confident hold of serve. Game, set, match! 🏆
Reflecting on the match, Sinner said, \"Very happy to be through against a very tough opponent. We played each other in Cincinnati, so I knew a little bit what to expect. I think also he knew a little bit what to expect.\"
Up next for Sinner is Australian world number 87 Christopher O'Connell. With Sinner's current form, fans are eager to see if he can keep the momentum going. 🎯
Despite his on-court success, Sinner's doping case remains a topic of discussion. The International Tennis Integrity Agency revealed that he tested positive twice for an anabolic agent in March. However, he avoided a ban after it was ruled he bore no fault or negligence for the violations. ⚖️
Will Sinner continue to rise above the challenges and make a deep run at the U.S. Open? Stay tuned! 📺
Reference(s):
Jannik Sinner dumps Alex Michelsen to reach U.S. Open third round
cgtn.com
